When shopping for a new car or replacing brake components, you might notice that many vehicles still come equipped with drum brakes—at least on the rear wheels. With disc brakes widely recognized for their superior stopping power and performance, the question arises: Why are drum brakes still in use? If disc brakes are better, why haven’t all automakers completely switched over? The answer lies in cost, durability, and specific use cases where drum brakes still hold their own.
The Difference Between Drum Brakes and Disc Brakes
To understand why drum brakes are still used, it’s important to first recognize how they differ from disc brakes. Drum brakes use brake shoes that press outward against the inside of a spinning drum, creating friction to slow the vehicle down. The entire mechanism is enclosed within the drum, protecting it from dust and debris.
Disc brakes, on the other hand, work by pressing brake pads against a rotating disc (or rotor), which is exposed to the open air. This design allows for better heat dissipation, which improves braking performance and reduces the risk of brake fade during repeated use.
While disc brakes offer superior stopping power and are more efficient under high-performance conditions, drum brakes still have their advantages—especially when it comes to cost and longevity.
Cost-Effectiveness in Manufacturing
One of the biggest reasons drum brakes are still used, especially on the rear wheels of many cars, is cost. Drum brake systems are significantly cheaper to manufacture than disc brakes. Since automakers are always looking for ways to keep production costs down, many choose to install drum brakes in the rear to save money without compromising overall braking performance.
Most of a car’s stopping power comes from the front brakes, meaning that rear brakes don’t have to work as hard. For everyday driving conditions, drum brakes on the rear wheels perform well enough to meet safety and efficiency standards while helping manufacturers keep vehicles more affordable.
Durability and Longevity
Drum brakes also last longer than disc brakes in many cases. Because they have a larger contact area, they wear down more gradually compared to disc brake pads. Rear brakes typically experience less force than front brakes, meaning they don’t need to be replaced as often.
Since drum brakes are enclosed, they are less exposed to dirt, moisture, and road debris. This can be an advantage in certain climates, particularly where road salt or excessive dust could cause extra wear on disc brakes.
Parking Brake Integration
Another key reason drum brakes remain common on some vehicles is their integration with parking brakes. Unlike disc brakes, which require an additional mechanism for parking brake functionality, drum brakes naturally lock into place when engaged. This makes them an efficient and cost-effective solution for vehicles that don’t need high-performance rear braking.
For example, many economy cars, compact sedans, and even some SUVs continue to use drum brakes because the integrated parking brake design keeps things simple while still being effective.
Are Drum Brakes Less Effective Than Disc Brakes
While drum brakes have their benefits, they do have drawbacks. The biggest issue is heat dissipation. Since drum brakes are enclosed, they retain more heat during braking, which can lead to brake fade when used repeatedly over short periods. This is why high-performance vehicles and most modern front-wheel braking systems use disc brakes instead.
Drum brakes also tend to be less effective in wet conditions. Because water can become trapped inside the drum, braking performance may suffer until the brakes dry out. Disc brakes, being exposed to open air, dry off much faster and maintain better stopping power in rainy weather.
However, for normal city driving and daily commuting, the limitations of drum brakes aren’t a major concern. Most modern cars are designed with a combination of front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, balancing cost and efficiency without sacrificing safety.
Are Drum Brakes Becoming Obsolete
The use of drum brakes is slowly declining, but they aren’t completely disappearing just yet. As automakers continue to develop more cost-effective disc brake solutions, we may see fewer vehicles equipped with drum brakes in the future. However, many manufacturers still consider them a practical choice for certain models.
For drivers in Marina del Rey, CA, where traffic conditions can demand frequent braking, maintaining both drum and disc brakes is essential for safe driving. Whether your vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes or full disc brakes, keeping them properly serviced ensures reliable stopping power when you need it most.
Whether your car has drum brakes or disc brakes, regular maintenance is key to safe driving. Let Villa Marina Auto Care in Marina del Rey, CA, check your braking system and keep your vehicle road-ready. Book your service now!